Seed potatoes

In our collection of seed potatoes, new ones, old goodies, delicacies and exclusive rarities sit side by side. We can also boast of Sweden’s largest selection of eco-certified seed potatoes. Professional grower’s quality, exciting varieties and solid knowledge are the key words! Since 2018 we also stock onion sets.

Sweden’s largest collection of organic seed potatoes

It all began when many customers got in touch with us, wanting to buy seed potatoes from our collection of both old and new exciting varieties. This made us contact a potato company in Scotland and they, it turned out, were just as into potatoes as we are here at Larsviken. Today, Larsviken collaborates with several seed potato suppliers, both in Sweden and in other parts of Europe. Every year we select roughly 60 varieties to be included in the annual seed potato collection. We take great care to make sure that the potato varieties are flavourful, easy to grow and durable.

The seed potatoes are available in packs of 5 pieces and 1, 3 and 5 kg packs. We also sell slightly larger quantities to professional growers (25 kg and 1000 kg bags).

An exciting set onion collection

In 2018 we also started selling set onions of different varieties. We find that onions and potatoes go extremely well together and compliment any vegetable garden as well as cooking. Here, too, we have made sure to invest in unique, tasty and easy-to-grow varieties.

Our best tips for a successful potato cultivation

Here we have gathered our best advice for successful potato cultivation.

Certified seeds

Always use certified seeds to avoid unpleasant surprises. Ensure that each package has a valid plant passport and that the package is sealed.

Pre-grow the seed potatoes

By pre-growing the potatoes, the time the potato grows in the soil will be shortened. In addition, it can be fun to start with something indoors when the vegetable garden is still asleep during winter. Put the potatoes somewhere light and cool, and they will start to grow dark, lovely sprouts. Expect it to take 4-5 weeks. If you want to speed it up, you can “wake up” the potatoes by placing them somewhere warm and dark for a few days before putting them in the light.

If you want to save even more time in the vegetable garden, you can also let the potatoes develop both sprouts and roots. Sprinkle some soil over the potatoes and keep them moist, that way roots will form. In this way you get a whole “plant”, which will establish itself much faster.

The soil

Potatoes can be cultivated in most soils, but the best conditions are in lean and well-drained soil.

Crop rotation

A good crop rotation is essential in order to achieve a successful cultivation, free from diseases and vermin. Avoid growing potatoes in the same cultivation area/soil year after year; instead make sure to rotate the crops in the vegetable garden area. Ideally, 4-5 years should pass between the cultivation occurrences.

Planting

When the soil is at least + 8 C degrees, it is finally time to start planting.

Plant spacing 17 – 30 cm, late varieties require more space to be able to develop in the best way / to produce a great harvest.

Planting depth 8 – 10 cm, heap on more soil when needed in order to avoid the potatoes turning green.

Water and nutrition

Water is needed, especially when planting. Nutrition is also needed, but not any excessive amounts, at least not for the early potatoes. Use natural manure but in moderation! Less than you think is usually the amount to go for. Too much nitrogen will lead to a lot of haulm and flowers but not a lot of potatoes. Too much nitrogen also has a negative effect on the quality and the taste of the potatoes.

When is it time to harvest?

After nurturing and waiting patiently it will soon be time for harvest. According to our guidelines – assuming pre-grow has taken place – harvesting of early potatoes can begin after 8 weeks, summer potatoes after 10-12 weeks and autumn potatoes after at least 14 weeks.

If you are unsure, a simple and easy way to check is to gently scrape off some soil and see if the potatoes are large enough. Are they too small? Put the soil back and let the potatoes continue to grow. When the potatoes are ripe or if the haulm has gone mouldy, it is best to chop off the haulm and remove it from the vegetable garden. Be sure to cover with more soil in order to avoid the potatoes turning green.

From cultivation joy to food joy

After pre-growing, planting and harvesting, the hard work will finally pay off. There is nothing better than to pick home grown new potatoes, rinse them, then boil them gently and finally enjoy them with a little bit of butter.

Tips and advice on cooking new potatoes: sort them according to size, start with the largest potatoes. Pour on boiling water. Make sure to be generous with the salt. The water should be as salt as seawater. Use a skewer to check if the potatoes are ready. Drain the potatoes and let them steam off for a short while. Don’t forget the dill! Eat and enjoy a Swedish classic.

Other advice

You can grow potatoes in buckets, cardboard pots, pallet collars or in a bag of soil. Go for lean soil and remember to make drainage holes. Do not let the potatoes get too hot, for example on a covered glass balcony, or on a south-facing wall, as growth will then be limited. A potato needs about 5 litres of soil to grow and develop.

It is fine to save seeds from the previous year but be sure to renew them from time to time, as the harvest will be smaller after some time if you do not. We do not recommend using potatoes from your local food shop as seed potatoes as that carries a risk of bringing diseases into your vegetable garden, which may affect this year’s harvest as well as future harvests.Best of luck growing potatoes!